Sonny Bill Williams goes for Olympics Sevens gold

All Black cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams has been named in New Zealand‘s Sevens squad for next season which will culminate at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
SBW is joined by fellow All-Black and Chiefs star Liam Messam in the 16-man squad. Both will miss the 2016 Super Rugby as they commit full-time to the Sevens program in a bid secure the sports first-ever Olympic gold medal.
The 30-year-old is currently with the All Blacks and is likely to be included in their final 31-man World Cup squad for the tournament in England, which starts next month.
He said: “Going back in time the best sportsmen ever have been Olympians. [Usain] Bolt, [Muhammad] Ali, the list goes on. It’s just an amazing opportunity to become one of those.
“As a rugby player you strive to be an All Black, win a World Cup, win a Super Rugby title and as a league player, for myself you strived to win a comp. I’m lucky enough to have achieved that, but as a sportsman, most would like to go to the Olympics and I haven’t achieved that.”
The 2011 World Cup winner has won 26 caps for New Zealand in Rugby Union and 12 in Rugby League.
Unlike two-time Commonwealth gold medalist and Sevens World Series winner Messam, Williams has never played Sevens but coach Sir Gordon Tietjens believes the serial code-hopper can handle the challenge.
“Sonny Bill Williams is a great athlete and has shown he can adapt very easily to the demands of rugby. I see him adjusting very well to the fast pace of sevens. He’ll be a great attacking weapon with his speed, strength and uncanny ability to offload”, said Tietjens.
The side will be captained by Scott Curry and includes returning Sevens players Akira Ioane, Ben Lam and Ardie Savea. The World Series season begins with the Dubai in December.
LUKE JARMYN